US issues global travel alert

Washington, Aug 3 (IANS) The US has issued a global travel alert over possible terrorist attacks, a day after it announced the closure of some diplomatic missions in the Middle East region over the coming weekend.

"The Department of State alerts US citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula," the department said Friday in a travel alert posted on its website.

"Current information suggests that Al Qaida and affiliated organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of Aug," it added.

The state department warned of possible terrorist attacks on public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure, adding that the US is working closely with other nations on the threat, Xinhua reported.

US missions in Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are among those to be closed through the weekend.

State department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters that the decision was taken "out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations".